Industry News

UVic issues engineering expansion request for proposals

In response to the growth and popularity of engineering programs in BC, the University of Victoria has issued a public request for proposals (RFP) to create new space for engineering students, faculty and staff.

Though funding still needs to be secured, this RFP allows UVic to continue planning for this vital expansion. Should funding be secured, construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2021 and be completed by fall 2023. The project is fundamental to attracting, supporting and developing a diverse community of talented students and researchers in engineering fields.

The RFP is for architectural and engineering consulting services, with proposals scheduled to close Aug. 22, 2019. Located in the southeast sector of campus and within Ring Road, the construction project will provide teaching and research space and will ensure our students have opportunities to engage in hands-on learning. As outlined in the Campus Plan, the Engineering and Computer Science Building (ECS) will receive a six-storey addition for lab and research facilities. A separate, 12-metre tall High Bay Research and Structures Lab will be constructed to the south of the Engineering Lab Wing (ELW) and will include a design studio and additional laboratory space.

UVic’s Faculty of Engineering currently has about 3,000 students, including 600 graduate students in seven disciplines—including the recently established and popular civil engineering and biomedical engineering programs. With the support of the province, UVic aims to grow its engineering and computer sciences enrolment by 500 new undergraduate degree spaces by 2022-23, once the new buildings are complete. This will result in 125 additional UVic engineering and computer science graduates per year by 2023. Much of this growth is already underway.

The faculty ranks in the top 10 among Canada’s engineering and computer science programs. In an effort to meet growing student demand, UVic has increased enrolment in engineering and computer science disciplines significantly since 2010-11. However, demand continues to exceed available spaces. Over the course of the expansion, UVic will receive $7.25 million in ongoing funding from the province for the 500 new undergraduate student spaces.

The expansion also supports key labour market demands in Victoria and throughout the province. WorkBC forecasts almost 5,000 new jobs for software engineers and designers between 2018 and 2028. UVic has the only accredited software engineering program in BC and grants bachelor’s degrees in engineering and science (BEng, BSEng and BSc) as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in science, engineering and applied science (MEng, MASc and MSc).

In support of Island Health and front-line healthcare staff, working tirelessly to keep our communities safe from COVID-19, the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has put a call out to their membership for donations of new, unopened N95 masks, sanitizer solution and wipes, or other personal protection equipment suitable for their work.

In the wake of recent announcements from federal and provincial health officials surrounding COVID-19, we would like to provide you with an update on the actions we, the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) is taking in response to the direction set out by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO).

Safety is always a priority in construction and managing the risk of COVID-19 should be no exception. We strongly encourage employers to provide common-sense advice about the simple actions employees are expected to take to reduce the risk.

An update on Gaoshi Holdings’ (Canada) proposed Powell River Airport development was presented at the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, February 18. The committee approved sending to Council a Development Permit (DP) to facilitate construction of the first phase of a mixed-use aviation park.

VICA, along with members Hazelwood Construction Group, Scotiabank, Canwest Mechanical, and Pinchin, will be attending ABM Indigenous: Vancouver Island again this year. The event is held in partnership with the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation at the Songhees Innovation Centre in Victoria from March 16 to 18.

Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is requesting information from interested parties for construction and environmental remediation services necessary to re-establish fish passage in the Fraser River in response to the Big Bar Landslide.

As part of its ongoing efforts to address bullying, hazing, and harassment on B.C. construction worksites, the BCCA is marking National Construction Day with the beta launch of a new Builders Code Crew Training App.

In an effort to encourage and boost innovation within the industry, Canadian Construction Association (CCA) and Canadian Construction Innovations (CCI) are delighted to announce an exclusive partnership with Invennt Business Inc. to offer the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) credit writing services to the industry.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is moving forward with detailed engineering on solutions to improve safety and capacity for visitors at Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park, while protecting the environmental, social and cultural values associated with the park.

A mortgage investment corporation (MIC) launched by the BCCA aims to make securing a mortgage easier for B.C.’s skilled tradespeople, medical care providers, educators, and emergency responders, while at the same time provide the growing impact investment market with a tax-free vehicle that supports housing affordability.

This is not a tender call or an invitation to bid. The City of Nanaimo (the City) plans to commence procurement for construction of a new fire station located at the intersection of Fitzwilliam Street and Milton Street in Nanaimo.

The BC Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes (BC Codes) are based substantially on the model Codes Canada Publications. Changes to the Codes Canada Publications are typically adopted into the BC Codes. The Public Review is set to close at 4:00 p.m. EST on December 23, 2019.

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